SEMH Teaching Assistant

SEMH Teaching Assistant – Temp to Perm

Location: Formby, Merseyside
Start Date: January 2026
Contract Type: Temporary to Permanent
Working Hours: Full-time, Term Time Only
Agency: Teaching Personnel

Are you passionate about supporting children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs?
Do you thrive in a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child is valued and supported to reach their full potential?

A small, welcoming primary school in Formby is seeking a dedicated and compassionate SEMH Teaching Assistant to join their team from January 2026. This is a temp-to-perm opportunity through Teaching Personnel, offering the chance to make a lasting impact in a supportive setting.

About the Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting pupils who face barriers to learning due to emotional or behavioural challenges. You will work closely with the class teacher, SENCO, and external professionals to create a safe, structured, and engaging learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

• 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs, helping them access the curriculum and develop coping strategies.
• Build trusting relationships with pupils to promote emotional regulation, resilience, and positive behaviour.
• Implement personalised support plans, behaviour strategies, and interventions under guidance from the SENCO and external specialists.
• Support classroom routines, transitions, and social interactions to reduce anxiety and promote inclusion.
• Monitor and record pupil progress, behaviour incidents, and emotional wellbeing, contributing to reviews and reports.
• Collaborate with staff and parents/carers, maintaining open communication and consistency in support strategies.
• Promote a positive school ethos, modelling respectful behaviour and encouraging self-esteem and independence.
• Assist with de-escalation and crisis intervention, following school safeguarding and behaviour policies.

Ideal Candidate

• Experience working with children with SEMH, autism, ADHD, or behavioural needs (school, residential, or youth work settings).
• Calm, empathetic, and resilient approach to challenging situations.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice and emotional literacy.
• Relevant qualifications (e.g., CACHE Level 2/3, Team Teach, Mental Health First Aid) are desirable but not essential.
• A genuine passion for making a difference in children’s lives.

What We Offer

• Competitive daily rate via Teaching Personnel.
• Opportunity for permanent placement within a caring school community.
• Ongoing CPD and training opportunities.
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement.
• A chance to be part of a team that values wellbeing, inclusion, and professional growth.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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